Thermal Barrier For Building Foundation Slab

ABSTRACT

A thermal barrier for reducing heat transfer through the slab foundation of a building, said thermal barrier comprising: a substrate; a first attachment means disposed at the top of said substrate for attaching said thermal barrier to a building; an insulating sheathing attached to said substrate; a reflective layer disposed between said sheathing and said substrate; and a second attachment means for attaching said apparatus to a building, said second attachment means disposed adjacent to one side of said sheathing and against said substrate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to building construction. More particularly, this invention is an insulation device for slab foundations of residential and commercial buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most residential and smaller commercial buildings in the United States are built using standardized building practices. One reason for this consistency is a set of uniform building codes that apply across the country. Another reason is cost. The techniques used to build homes, for example, produce reliable structures quickly at relatively low cost. Homes in the United States are generally built using the following procedure: grading and site preparation, foundation construction, framing, window and door installation, roofing, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, underlayment, trim, and interiors.

One of the first steps in erecting a residential or commercial building is constructing a foundation. Houses, for example, are generally built on a crawlspace, basement, or slab foundation.

The slab is the easiest foundation to build. It is a flat concrete pad poured directly on the ground. It takes very little site preparation, very little formwork for the concrete, and very little labor to create.

For a typical slab foundation, a concrete perimeter is embedded in the ground around three feet deep. The slab further comprises a four to six inch thick flat surface atop the embedded perimeter. A layer of gravel lies beneath the slab, and a sheet of plastic lies between the concrete and the gravel to keep moisture out. Wire mesh and/or steel reinforcing bars are implanted in the concrete for additional structural integrity. In colder climates, the concrete perimeter has to extend deep enough into the ground to remain below the frost line in winter.

Slab foundations work well on level sites in warmer climates. However, in colder climates, where the ground freezes in the winter, use of an non-insulated slab results in cold floors and higher heating costs as heat is lost from the home to the outside.

Thus, a need exists for a thermal barrier that can be attached to a slab foundation for residential or commercial buildings to prevent heat loss from the building through the slab. Slabs lose energy primarily due to heat conducted outward and through the perimeter of the slab. Insulating the exterior edge of the slab in most sections of the country can reduce winter heating bills by 10% to 20%. In fact, slab insulation is recommended in many localities by the Model Energy Code or state energy codes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the unmet need of highly functional slab foundation insulation.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a prefabricated thermal barrier for installation adjacent the slab foundation of a building wherein the thermal barrier comprises: a substrate; a first attachment mechanism disposed at the top of the substrate for attaching the insulation apparatus to a building; a sheathing attached to the substrate; a reflective layer disposed between the sheathing and the substrate; and a second attachment mechanism for attaching the apparatus to the building, where the second attachment mechanism is disposed adjacent to one side of the sheathing and against the substrate.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a vinyl substrate, foam sheathing, flexible polyethylene foam gasketing strip and/or an aluminum reflective layer. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a plywood nailing strip for attaching the insulation apparatus to a residential or commercial building slab.

A first advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides an R-value of at least about 5 inch of apparatus thickness. A second advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides a U-value of at most about 0.20 inch of apparatus thickness. An additional advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides a reduction in heat loss through the slab of at least about 20% and as much as over 60%.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a prefabricated thermal barrier comprising a slab foundation set on a footer, said thermal barrier comprising: a footer insulating member, said footer insulating member disposed horizontally adjacent to the top of a footer, said footer insulating member comprising a generally cuboid shape having: an elongated top side and an elongated bottom side, wherein said bottom side and said top side are parallel; a pair of generally parallel front and rear sides; and at least one vertically oriented void between said parallel top and bottom portion, said void suitable for a structural material to pass through; an interior insulating member, said interior insulating member disposed vertically against a vertical wall of the footer, said interior insulating member extending downward from said footer insulating member, said interior vertical insulating member generally in physical contact with said footer insulating member; and an exterior insulating member, said exterior insulating member disposed at about the front side of the footer insulting member, such that: said exterior insulating member is adjacent to the exterior of a building; and such that the exterior insulating member extends vertically upward from said footer insulating member; and such that said exterior insulating member is generally parallel to said interior insulating member; and such that said exterior insulating member is generally in physical contact with said footer insulating member.

Advantageously, this second embodiment provides a continuous thermal barrier at the side of the slab and between the bottom of the slab and the footer for the foundation.

Again, an advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides an R-value of at least about 5 inch of apparatus thickness between the slab and ambient conditions. A second advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides a U-value of at most about 0.20 inch of apparatus thickness between the slab and ambient conditions. An additional advantage of the present invention is that when installed it provides a reduction in heat loss through the top or bottom perimeter of the slab.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a typical monolithic building foundation slab with a prior art insulation system.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a typical non-monolithic building foundation slab with a prior art insulation system.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a thermal barrier slab insulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of non-monolithic building foundation slab with an attached thermal barrier slab insulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of a building foundation slab with an attached thermal barrier slab insulation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a footer insulation member according to a second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As previously stated, many residential and commercial buildings are constructed on slab foundations. A slab is the easiest foundation to build. It is a flat concrete pad poured directly on the ground. It takes very little site preparation, very little formwork for the concrete, and very little labor to create.

For a typical slab foundation, a concrete perimeter is embedded in the ground around Three feet deep. The slab further comprises a four to six inch thick flat surface atop the embedded perimeter. A layer of gravel lies beneath the slab, and a sheet of plastic lies between the concrete and the gravel to keep moisture out. Wire mesh and/or steel reinforcing bars are implanted in the concrete for additional structural integrity. In colder climates, the concrete perimeter has to extend deep enough into the ground to remain below the frost line in winter.

Slab foundations work well on level sites in warmer climates. However, in colder climates, where the ground freezes in the winter, use of an non-insulated slab results in cold floors and higher heating costs as heat is lost from the home to the outside. a need exists for a thermal barrier that can be attached to a slab foundation for a residential or commercial building to reduce heat loss from the building through the slab.

Slabs lose energy primarily due to heat conducted outward and through the perimeter of the slab. Insulating the exterior edge of the slab in most sections of the country can reduce winter heating bills by 10% to 20%. In fact, slab insulation is recommended in many localities by state energy codes.

State energy and building codes regarding slab insulation and energy savings are often guided by model codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code (“IECC”). These objectives are generally expressed in terms of R-values and U-values.

Thermal conductivity is the rate of thermal conduction through a material per unit area per unit thickness per unit temperature differential. The inverse of conductivity is resistivity (or R per unit thickness). Thermal conductance is the rate of heat flux through a unit area at the installed thickness and any given delta-T.

The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. Under uniform conditions, R-value it is the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator to the heat flux (heat transfer per unit area) through it. Thus, R-value for any particular material or apparatus is the unit thermal resistance. R-value is expressed as the thickness of the material divided by the thermal conductivity. For the thermal resistance of an entire section of material, instead of the unit resistance, divide the unit thermal resistance by the area of the material. A higher the R-value denotes a more effective insulator. U-value is the reciprocal of R-value.

Experimentally, thermal conduction for a particular material is measured by placing the material in contact between two conducting plates and measuring the energy flux required to maintain a certain temperature gradient. Generally, the R-value of insulation is measured at a steady temperature, usually about 70° F. with no forced convection.

In the United States, R-value is expressed as h*ft²*° F./Btu, where h=hours; ft=feet; and ° F.=Fahrenheit temperature. The conversion between SI and US units of R-value is 1 h·ft².° F./Btu=0.176110 K·m²/W

The IECC for 2012 details recommended R-values and U-values for slab building foundations, as shown in the following table where R-values are minimums and U-values are maximums.

TABLE 1 SLAB R-VALUE & FENESTRATION DEPTH CLIMATE ZONE U-FACTOR (h * ft² * ° F./Btu) 1 NR 0 2 0.40 0 3 0.35 0 4 except Marine 0.35 10, 2 ft 5 and Marine 4 0.32 10, 2 ft 6 0.32 10, 4 ft 7 and 8 0.32 10, 4 ft

A “climate zone” number is a description of the climate in a particular geographic area, based on the number of heating days, the number of cooling days, the amount of precipitation, and other factors in a particular geographic region. The IEEC tables below show specific climate zone definitions.

TABLE 2 INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ZONE DEFINITIONS MAJOR CLIMATE TYPE DEFINITIONS Marine (C) Definition - Locations meeting all four criteria: 1. Mean temperature of coldest month between −3° C. (27° F.) and 18° C. (65° F.) 2. Warmest month mean <22° C. (72° F.) 3. At least four months with mean temperatures over 10° C. (50° F.) 4. Dry season in summer. The month with the heaviest precipitation in the cold season has at least three times as much precipitation as the month with the least precipitation in the rest of the year. The code season is October through March in the Northern Hemisphere and April through September in the Southern Hemisphere. Dry (B) Definition - Locations meeting the following criteria: Not Marine and   Pin < 0.44 x (TF − 19.5) [Pcm < 2.0 x (TC + 7) in SI units] where: Pin = Annual precipitation in inches (cm) Moist (A) Definition - Locations that are not Marine and not Dry.

TABLE 3 INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ZONE DEFINITIONS ZONE THERMAL CRITERIA NUMBER IP Units SI Units 1 9000 < CDD50° F. 5000 < CDD10° C. 2 6300 < CDD50° F. :: 9000 3500 < CDD10° C. :: 5000 3A and 3B 4500 < 2500 < CDD50° F. :: 6300 CDD10° C. :: 3500 AND AND HDD65° F. HDD18° C. :: 5400 :: 3000 4A and 4B CDD50° F. :: 4500 CDD10° C. :: 2500 AND AND HDD65° F. :: 5400 HDD18° C. :: 3000 3C HDD65° F. :: 3600 HDD18° C. :: 2000 4C 3600 < HDD65° F. :: 5400 2000 < HDD18° C. :: 3000 5 5400 < HDD65° F. :: 7200 3000 < HDD18° C. :: 4000 6 7200 < HDD65° F. :: 9000 4000 < HDD18° C. :: 5000 7 9000 < HDD65° F. :: 5000 < HDD18° C. :: 7000 12600 8 12600 < HDD65° F. 7000 < HDD18° C.

The Building America marine climate corresponds to those portions of IECC climate zones 3 and 4 located in the “C” moisture category.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a typical monolithic “floating” slab for the foundation of a residential or commercial building with a prior art insulation system. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical, monolithic, floating slab foundation system comprises a concrete slab; a gravel layer; strength enhancing, and, preferably, steel reinforcement members within the slab.

As shown in FIG. 1, this prior art system may further comprise a rigid insulated sheathing disposed against an exterior edge of the slab and a plastic or rubber gasket membrane disposed on the ground facing, exterior wall of the rigid sheathing. The membrane functions to protect the insulation from damage due to pest infestation or moisture.

Referring still to FIG. 1, an exterior wall of a residential or commercial building disposed on top of the slab foundation and the membrane is shown. The building wall may have exterior and interior insulated sheathing.

One problem with the prior art system shown in FIG. 1 is that a break exists between the above ground and below ground exterior insulation. Consequently, significant heat can escape the building through the slab and between the two insulation segments. Are these statements accurate? Are there other problems with this type of slab insulation system? Yes

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a typical non-monolithic “floating” slab for the foundation of a residential or commercial building with a prior art insulation system. As shown in FIG. 2, a typical, monolithic, floating slab foundation system generally comprises a concrete slab; a gravel layer; and strength enhancing, steel reinforcement members within the slab.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slab is poured such that it comprises a generally horizontal top and a plurality of vertical walls disposed around the perimeter of the horizontal top. The walls are entrenched in ground, preferably at a depth of about 3 feet. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the perimeter of the slab rests on a “footer.” The slab further includes a plurality of reinforcing members disposed vertically within the slab. The reinforcing members are oriented such that they cross from the perimeter walls of the slab into and through the horizontal top portion of the slab.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the horizontal top of the slab rests atop a layer of gravel. A polymer membrane is disposed atop the layer of gravel, and a horizontal layer of foam insulation is disposed between the polymer membrane and the bottom of the horizontal portion of the slab. The foam insulation provides a thermal break for the slab and functions as a mechanical expansion joint. The polymer membrane prevents moisture from damaging the horizontally disposed foam insulation layer.

Referring again to FIG. 2, there is shown a frame around the vertical walls of the slab. The frame itself has two vertical walls that sandwich the vertical perimeter walls of the slab as shown in FIG. 2.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the exterior walls of a building rest on the slab such that they are generally collinear with the perimeter walls of the slab. The walls of the building generally comprise an interior drywall layer and an exterior insulated sheathing layer.

Referring still to FIG. 2, a polymer membrane is disposed between the bottom of the building exterior walls and the top of the horizontal portion of the slab.

Much like the prior art slab insulation system of FIG. 1, a problem with the prior art system shown in FIG. 2 is that a break exists between the above ground and below ground exterior insulation. Consequently, significant heat can escape the building through the slab and between the two insulation segments, as well as through the gap between the exterior wall of the building and the horizontal portion of the slab.

A second problem with the prior art system shown in FIG. 2, is that the interior flooring in such a system cannot be secured without breaking or coming loose in the corners such that certain desirable floorings, such as tile cannot be used. Past methods such as bringing the interior foam to the top of the slab with a beveled edge on the top of the slab have caused defection between the slab and footer area of slab, separation between slab and footer area of slab due to lack of a monolithic pour with the foam being the barrier.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross sectional view of a thermal barrier slab insulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, thermal barrier 1000 generally comprises a substrate 100, a reflective layer 200, and an insulated sheathing layer 300.

Referring again to FIG. 3, substrate 100 is comprised of a durable, inexpensive, corrosion resistant material suitable for securely retaining the remaining elements of thermal barrier 1000. Preferably, substrate 100 is comprised of vinyl. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that any durable, reasonably structural sound material such as wood, composite, or polymer will suffice. A flexible polyethylene foam gasketing strip attached the interior of the of the product as it attaches to the slab may also be included.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, thermal barrier 1000 further comprises insulated sheathing layer 300. Sheathing layer 300 preferably comprises polyisocyranate and has a thickness within a range of from about 1 inches to about 2 inches. As shown in Table 4 (below), a thickness of 1 results in an R-value of 5-7. Thus, the thickness of insulating sheathing layer 300 can be increased or decreased to achieve a desired R-value.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of materials may be used for insulated sheathing layer 300, including extruded foam, polyisocyranurate foam, expanded foam, and insulated foil bubble wrap material or similar material.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a reflective layer 200 is disposed between substrate 100 and insulating sheathing 300. Reflective layer 200 comprises a material such as aluminum. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a reflective layer 200 may be attached to one side of insulated sheathing layer 300.

Referring still to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the elements of thermal barrier 1000 are secured to one another such that they form a singular device. Although thermal barrier 1000 may be of any desired size and shape, it is preferable for it to have a rectangular shape with a length ranging from about 4 feet to about 8 feet.

As shown in FIG. 3, thermal barrier 1000 further comprises bottom nailing strip 400. Nailing strip 400 is disposed such that it attached to substrate 100 and abuts the bottom of insulated sheathing layer 300. Nailing strip 400, used so that thermal barrier 1000 may be nailed to the exterior of a residential or commercial building, comprises a wood or composite material, preferably plywood.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, thermal barrier 1000 further comprises top nailing strip 500. Nailing strip 500 preferably comprises a vertical extension of vinyl substrate 100.

Although the preferred embodiment of thermal barrier 1000 is designed to be nailed to the exterior of a building. Those of skill in art of construction will appreciate that other securing methods or means are suitable for attaching thermal barrier 1000 to a building, such as tacks, screws, adhesives, tape, snap-fit, tab and groove, or a combination of these methods. Additionally, thermal barrier 1000 may comprise a final external protective polymer layer (not shown) opposite said substrate 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross sectional view of thermal barrier 1000 attached to the exterior of a residential building having slab foundation. As shown in FIG. 4, thermal barrier 1000 is preferably nailed to the exterior of a building such that barrier 1000 extends vertically below the horizontal layer of the slab foundation of the building and below the upper most portion of any insulation on the interior of the slab perimeter wall. Thus, heat loss through the slab foundation of the building is diminished.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, thermal barrier 5000 provides continuous insulation around the exterior perimeter of the building's slab foundation and between the slab and the footer. This continuous insulation (with no thermal break) provides even greater prevention of heat loss through the slab foundation.

Referring still to FIG. 5, thermal barrier 5000 generally comprises an exterior insulating member 5100, a footer insulating member 5200, and an interior insulating member 5300. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the above described insulating members is generally in continuous contact with one another and the slab such that there is no air gap between the perimeter of the slab and ambient conditions or between the perimeter of the slab and the footer.

Referring again to FIG. 5, exterior insulating member 5100 of thermal barrier 5000 preferably comprises an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or extruded polystyrene.

-   -   Polyisocyanurate (polyiso for short) foam has the highest         R-value per inch (R-6.5 to R-6.8) of any rigid insulation. This         type of rigid foam usually comes with a reflective foil facing         on both sides, so it can also serve as a radiant barrier in some         applications. Polyiso board is more expensive than other types         of rigid foam. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam is usually         blue or pink in color, with a smooth plastic surface. XPS panels         typically aren't faced with other material. The R-value is about         5 per in. This type of rigid foam won't absorb water like         polyiso and is stronger and more durable than expanded         polystyrene, so it's probably the most versatile type of rigid         foam. XPS falls between polyiso and expanded polystyrene in         price. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the least-expensive type of         rigid foam and has the lowest R-value (around R-3.8 per in.).         It's also more easily damaged than the other types of rigid         foam. Dr. Energy Saver Home Services, Rigid Insulation Board:         R-value Packed into a Rigid Foam Panel, available at         http://www.drenergysaver.com/insulation/insulation-materials/rigid-insulation-board.html         (last visited Dec. 27, 2012).

However, persons of ordinary skill in the arts of building construction or thermal insulation will appreciate that any convenient insulation material will suffice as long as it meets or can be adapted to meet the configuration of the present invention and any applicable construction regulations. Preferably, exterior insulating member 5100 is of semi-rigid construction.

As shown in FIG. 5, exterior insulating member 5100 is disposed vertically against and fixedly attached to the exterior of the building. In the preferred embodiment, exterior insulating member 5100 extends from a just above the upper surface of the slab to contact horizontally disposed footer insulating member 5200. If contact is not achieved between exterior insulating member 5100 and footer insulating member 5200, any gaps can be filled using known non-rigid insulating materials.

Referring still to FIG. 5, thermal barrier 5000 further comprises footer insulating member 5200. Footer insulating member 5200 should be of semi-rigid construction. Footer insulating member 5200 is also preferably comprised of an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or extruded polystyrene. However, persons of ordinary skill in the arts of building construction or thermal insulation will again appreciate that any convenient insulation material will suffice as long as it meets or can be adapted to meet the configuration of the present invention and any applicable construction regulations.

Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a top view of footer insulating member 5200. Footer insulating member 5200 is the second portion of continuous thermal barrier 5000. Footer insulating member 5200 is disposed horizontally atop the footer between the footer and slab. As building insulation materials are not weight bearing, footer insulating member 5200 further comprises at least one void 5300. Concrete from pouring the slab flows through the at least one void 5300 as structural support column for the slab and building upon the footer. In the preferred embodiment, voids 5300 comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a cuboid, and a polyhedron, and the linear frequency of voids 5300 is about 1 void 5300 per 24 inches. Moreover, each void 5300 preferably has a volume of from about 3 cubic inches to 11 cubic inches.

As shown in FIG. 6, void 5300 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical shape. However, other extruded geometric planes may be used such that void 5300 comprises a polyhedron, a cuboid, a cylinder, or any desired shape. Moreover, while void 5300 is shown with one open portion, it will be understood by those of ordinarily skill in the art of building construction that voids 5300 could be enclosed.

Any desired number, shape, and size of void 5300 may be used in the present invention. The determination of those parameters is based on the material properties of the slab and footer and the desired weight that the slab is intended to hold. For example, medium grade concrete holds about 4,000 pounds per square inch.

Referring again to FIG. 5, there is shown an internal insulating member 5400. Internal insulating member 5400 generally comprises a rectangular or cuboid shape of any desired width, length, and height for use during home construction. Internal insulating member 5400 is also preferably comprised of an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or extruded polystyrene. However, persons of ordinary skill in the arts of building construction or thermal insulation will again appreciate that any convenient insulation material will suffice as long as it meets or can be adapted to meet the configuration of the present invention and any applicable construction regulations.

As shown in FIG. 5, internal insulating member 5400 is disposed between the “house side” of the footer and the ground. Internal insulating member 5400 extends vertically such that it contacts the interior face of footer insulating member 5200. Internal insulating member 5400 preferably further extends vertically to at or near the bottom horizontal surface of the slab.

Again, as shown in FIG. 5, internal insulating member 5400 should contact the interior wall of footer insulating member 5200 of thermal barrier 5000. If, during construction, these member do not fully contact, insulating foam may be used to help achieve a contiguous barrier between the perimeter of the slab and ambient conditions.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications, or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A thermal barrier for reducing heat loss through the slab foundation of a building, said thermal barrier comprising: a substrate; a means for attaching said substrate to a building; an insulating sheathing attached to said substrate; and a protective outer layer disposed against the exterior of the insulating sheathing.
 2. The thermal barrier of claim 1, wherein the thermal barrier further comprises a reflective layer disposed between said sheathing and said substrate.
 3. The thermal barrier of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymer; thermoset polymer and composite.
 4. The thermal barrier of claim 1, installed such that an adjacent building slab has an R-value of at least about
 10. 5. The thermal barrier of claim 1, installed such that there is at least about 20% less heat loss through the slab.
 6. A thermal barrier for reducing the heat transferred through the foundation of a building having a slab foundation set on a footer, said thermal barrier comprising: a footer insulating member, an interior insulating member, and an exterior insulating member; said footer insulating member disposed horizontally adjacent to the top of a footer, said footer insulating member comprising a generally cuboid shape having: an elongated top side and an elongated bottom side, wherein said bottom side and said top side are parallel; a pair of generally parallel front and rear sides; and at least one vertically oriented void between said parallel top and bottom portion, said void suitable for a structural material to pass through; an interior insulating member, said interior insulating member disposed vertically against a vertical wall of the footer, said interior insulating member extending downward from said footer insulating member, said interior vertical insulating member generally in physical contact with said footer insulating member; and an exterior insulating member, said exterior insulating member disposed at about the front side of the footer insulting member, such that: said exterior insulating member is adjacent to the exterior of a building; and such that the exterior insulating member extends vertically upward from said footer insulating member; and such that said exterior insulating member is generally parallel to said interior insulating member; and such that said exterior insulating member is generally in physical contact with said footer insulating member.
 7. The thermal barrier of claim 6, wherein the footer insulating member, interior insulating member, and exterior insulating member comprise materials selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanurate, Extruded Polystyrene Foam, and Expanded Polystyrene Foam.
 8. The thermal barrier of claim 6, wherein each void comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a cuboid, and a polyhedron.
 9. The thermal barrier of claim 6, wherein the thermal barrier is prefabricated.
 10. The thermal barrier of claim 6, installed such that an adjacent building slab has an R-value of at least about
 10. 11. The thermal barrier of claim 6, installed such that there is at least about 20% less heat loss through the slab.
 12. A thermal barrier for reducing the heat transferred through the foundation of a building having a slab foundation set on a footer, said thermal barrier comprising: a footer insulating member and an exterior insulating member; said footer insulating member disposed horizontally adjacent to the top of a footer, said footer insulating member comprising a generally cuboid shape having: an elongated top side and an elongated bottom side, wherein said bottom side and said top side are parallel; a pair of generally parallel front and rear sides; and at least one vertically oriented void between said parallel top and bottom portion, said void suitable for a structural material to pass through; and an exterior insulating member, said exterior insulating member disposed at about the front side of the footer insulting member, such that: said exterior insulating member is adjacent to the exterior of a building; and such that the exterior insulating member extends vertically upward from said footer insulating member; and such that said exterior insulating member is generally in physical contact with said footer insulating member.
 13. A device for insulating the slab foundation of a building between the bottom of the perimeter of the slab and the top of the footer, continuing thermal barrier with said insulating member comprising a generally cuboid shape having: an elongated top side and an elongated bottom side, wherein said bottom side and said top side are parallel; a pair of generally parallel front and rear sides; and at least one vertically oriented void between said parallel top and bottom portion, said void suitable for a structural material to pass through.
 14. The thermal barrier of claim 75, wherein the footer insulating member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanurate, Extruded Polystyrene Foam, and Expanded Polystyrene Foam.
 15. The thermal barrier of claim 75, wherein each void comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a cuboid, and a polyhedron.
 16. The thermal barrier of claim 75, having an R-value of at least about 5 per inch of thermal barrier thickness.
 17. The thermal barrier of claim 75, installed such that an adjacent building slab has an R-value of at least about
 10. 